Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday called for development of partnership of G7 countries with vulnerable countries for sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystem.

“Partnership between G7 countries and vulnerable countries like Bangladesh for sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems is critical, she said in an intervention on issues of world oceans at G7 Outreach Meeting here.

“Blue water is a ‘heritage’ for our people. We are committed to conserving and protecting our Bay, as a time-honored ‘responsibility,” Sheikh Hasina said.

Pointing out the peacefully de-limited maritime boundaries with India and Myanmar, the Prime Minister said, “We now see growing ‘stress’ in our Bay and coast emanating from rising sea temperature, sea level, littering and acidification.”

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh’s 75 coastal islands face submergence and rivers are at risk of salinity intrusion at upstream. Around twenty million people across the coast risk displacement. They have limited livelihood options and limits to adapt to oceanic challenges and climate changes, she said.

The prime minister called all countries to engage on oceans based on principles of mutual trust and respect, and mutual sharing of benefits and mobilisation of the innovations and capacity of G7 countries for protection, preservation and exploitation of sustainable development of oceanic resources.

Development of adaptive technology and transfer of key technologies is crucial, she said, adding that marine biotechnology has to be in focus.

In tackling plastic littering in oceans, she called for considering a range of industrial use and application of jute fiber to replace all forms of plastics.

With jute, world can develop cost-effective bio-degradable alternatives, she said.

In an intervention on climate issues, the Prime Minister said full implementation of the Paris Agreement is crucial for Bangladesh as the country needs greater support for climate change adaptation.

Available climate finance has to be augmented and facilitated for Bangladesh, she said, adding that countries like Bangladesh also need support to capacity building, technology development and transfer in areas like agriculture, public health, disaster management.

She appreciated Canada’s commitment to support the poor and most vulnerable countries to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, commending Canada’s pledge to contribute US$ 2.65 billion over the next five years to help the developing countries to tackle the climate change issue and US$ 300 million to the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

She also sought both financial and technological assistance from G-7 countries to tackle global effects of climate change.-BSS